Dedicated to understanding Hyperthyroidism , Hypothyroidism and its symptoms

Hyperthyroidism Diet

Although, what a patient eats during hyperthyroidism matters; however, a particular hyperthyroidism diet doesn’t exist. A diet alone can’t treat or prevent your thyroid gland from producing excess of thyroid hormone which occurs as in case of Hyperthyroidism. The symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism respond well to prescription medications and therefore, it is imperative to immediately seek doctor’s assistance. Moreover, intake of specific foods can help to overcome few mild hyperthyroidism symptoms. A proper diet aims at easing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and it basically comprises of reduced iodine intake as it helps to reverse iodine-induced hyperthyroidism in many cases. Hence, a proper hyperthyroidism diet plays a key role in reversing the condition. Here is a brief outline about certain foods for hyperthyroidism that should be included as part of your diet:

Intake of Berries

Apart from boosting the overall health with their antioxidant properties, berries strengthen the immune system. Berries can help in boosting up the energy levels. Hence, it is advised to include all types of berries such as raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and blueberries to include a few. A serving of berries is recommended daily.

Include Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are foods that belong to the goitrogen family. It is advised to include vegetables that belong to the goitrogen family as they promote thyroid gland to produce lesser levels of thyroid hormones. Cruciferous vegetables include Broccoli,kale,cauliflower, and . Hence root vegetables like turnips and rutabagas are advised to be taken as part of the hyperthyroidism diet.

Green leafy vegetables should be taken in plenty. Some of these vegetables such as kale, spinach and mustard greens reduce the production of thyroid hormones and are hence advised to ease the hypothyroidism symptoms.

Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that supplies adequate calcium to the body and prevents bone loss. Omega 3 fatty acids promote the thyroid gland to function normally and hence are advise for patients suffering from hyperthyroidism. Both vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids (healthy fats) are abundantly present in food sources like Salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are not naturally produced by the body and hence can be obtained from few food sources. Some of the vitamin D rich sources include mushrooms and eggs. Some of the food sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids include olive oil,cold water fish, walnuts, ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil. It is advised to include these foods to the routine diet.

Turkey

The most common symptom associated with Hyperthyroidism is weight loss despite having a healthy appetite. Intake of protein is therefore recommended as proteins provide enough energy to the system and increase the muscle mass. Therefore, one can maintain a healthy weight by the intake of proteins. The abundant source of protein is Turkey. Other protein rich sources include whey, nuts and beans. It is thus advised to take protein at every meal.

Proteins

Soy products such as beans, soy beans and soy chunks should be included to the diet as these products help in controlling an over-stimulated thyroid in case of hyperthyroidism.Weight loss symptom associated with hyperthyroidism is associated with significant loss of muscle mass and hence one should aim at rebuilding the lost muscle bulk. It is also advised to follow a high protein diet plan and certain moderate exercises are advised to increase the muscle mass.

Antioxidants

Increased level of thyroid hormones has been interlinked to the damage of free-radicals in various body tissues. The free radical damage can be prevented by the intake of antioxidant rich nutrients. These include vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, magnesium and beta carotene that are abundantly found in fruits and vegetables. In addition, intake of dietary supplements enriched with a mixed antioxidant formula is recommended to ensure that sufficient antioxidant nutrients are supplied to the body.

Antioxidants help to replenish lost nutrients as a result of high metabolism associated with hyperthyroidism.Certain antioxidant rich food sources include grapes,berries, fresh fruits and vegetables, which should be consumed daily as part of the diet.

Whole grains

Zinc levels are usually depleted in the body due to hyperthyroidism. Zinc is a vital element that plays a prime role in regulating various organ functions in the body. Hence, it is advised to include sources that are rich in zinc such as brown rice, whole grain cereals, millet, seeds and nuts as part of the routine diet.

Consume more Dairy products

Osteoporosis is a serious complication associated with untreated or poorly controlled hyperthyroidism, ultimately resulting in weak bones. Hence, it is imperative to consume necessary amounts of calcium. Some of the calcium rich sources include dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese to include a few. It is recommended to take at least 3 servings of calcium rich foods daily cabbage. About 1 or more servings of these vegetables are recommended per day.

Some types of root vegetables are rich in thioglucosides, which prevent iodine absorption and ease the symptoms associated with overactive thyroid.